PV material and ironing.

[wboydsp]

Are the PV kilts as sold by USA kilts easy to keep unwrinkled? If I wash and hang them will they stay looking decent or should I always keep the iron and starch handy?

[Crazy Dave]

I haven't had to iron mine yet, but buy Rocky's hangar. It is awesome!

Dave

[Steve Ashton]

The Polyester/Rayon blend that Rock uses is virtually wrinkle free. Unlike the Acrylic and Acrylic/wool blends normally found in the Pakistani kilts you are familiar with.

The pleat creases can be made virtually permanent in the good quality Poly/Rayon fabrics. Again, unlike what you are familiar with.

I suspect that the reason you are getting some of the responses you are is that many of the members of this forum have seen, felt and worn kilts. And by kilt I mean a garment made from a quality fabric with quality construction. It appears from your posts that you may not have experienced the difference.

The biggest differences are not in the price of the garment but in the quality of the fabrics used and the construction methods. If you have looked at the threads that have been recommended you should have been able to notice that there is a big difference in how a kilt is constructed and how a ladies Tartan pleated skirt is constructed.
The garments from Pakistan are constructed like a ladies Tartan pleated skirt. The strength of the garment comes from the strength of the fabric and the strength of the stitching.
The strength of a kilt comes from the things built inside and then hidden from view by the liner. The stress of strapping them on and moving in them is not transferred to or carried by the outer fabric or the stitching.

So yes, many on this forum view the products from Pakistan as the very lowest definition of the word - kilt. It does not have legs and it is made from Tartan or plaid.

I wear a kilt every day. I can attest that clothing worn often takes a beating and clothing of a lower quality will not last as long or look as good as clothing made from higher quality fabrics and with higher quality construction.

I actually tried one of the Pakistani kilts in my normal kilt rotation of wear and it lasted about a month. Even after two or three wearings it was very evident that it was significantly different than my kilts. Some that have lasted for between 5 and 7 years of wear at least once a week during that time.

I am very glad that you have decided to give a USA kilt a try. While the model you chose is Rock's lower end I believe it will serve you well. His Semi-Trad model is the next step up and perhaps you will be able to try that next. While the Casual and Semi-Trad do not have the internal strengthening elements, the fabric and construction are good enough that they will serve you well.

But what most of the members here have been trying to get across is that it is not the price of the garment that makes the difference. There really is a difference in a kilt and a ladies Tartan pleated skirt that perhaps you were unaware of. They were just trying to point you toward a kilt.

It is not the difference between Levi and Wrangler. It is more like the difference between a Soviet made Trabant and almost any American, Japanese, or German car.

[wboydsp]

Hello Steve, I actually came the conclusion that foregoing the Pakastani wool kilts would be a good idea. Once, I actually began to think through the issues. I have noticed there are alot of kilt makers on this forum. I was beginning to think this was a case of asking a Chevy salesman what he thought about a Ford F150. Yet, when I priced a great kilt of a much lessor weight than the kilts I was looking to buy from UT Kilts I noticed that a great kilt, which is basically just 8 yrds of cloth, is quite expensive. So, if just the cloth without it being stiched into a kilt is so expensive, I might be wise to steer clear of the wool kilts from UT Kilts.
I have never interacted with PV material. I know nothing about it. I am taking the word of USA kilts and people on this forum that it is good. I will say, that I was pleased with the cotton kilts that I got from Brice. They take alot of starch and ironing but I do believe I got what I paid for. And I am complimented on them quite often.
When I do go wool I think I will go Great Kilt.

[Jock Scot]

...........................

...............When I do go wool I think I will go Great Kilt.

Well it goes without saying that it is entirely your choice what you wear, but-----

If I were you, I might think about that carefully. Why?

A. Kilts are often not understood by the general public, particularly outwith Scotland and a Great Kilt may be even less understood.
B. Many will think ---- particularly in Scotland----that you are lost film extra.
C. Is it you intention to be considered as an exhibitionist? Not all will think that, but many will, even if its not your intention.
D. Finally and probably most importantly, the Great Kilt is not as versatile as a "normal" kilt.
E. In light of the above, are you spending your money wisely?

What you decide to do is of course, down to you.

[wboydsp]

"Many will think ---- particularly in Scotland----that you are lost film extra.
Is it you intention to be considered as an exhibitionist? Not all will think that, but many will, even if its not your intention.
Finally and probably most importantly, the Great Kilt is not as versatile as a "normal" kilt.
In light of the above, are you spending your money wisely?"

To live in the United States and to wear a kilt regularly already puts one in the realm of the eccentric. I honestly like the look and idea of the great kilt. Yet, I like kilts in general. They have way more than an edge up, in terms of comfort, over all other articles of clothing for men in our present day. I really have gotten to the point that what others think in terms of my apparel means very little to me. Even a kilt dressed down looks good to me. I do not mind being known as a little eccentric.

[Crazy Dave]

I have Rocky's casual kilt in the Irish National Tartan and think it is a great product. I was surprised just how good it looks on me and how well made it is. I had bought it for St. Patrick's Day, which did not work out as planned, but I am still glad that I can now represent the Irish part of my heritage (Walker) along with the Scottish (MacPerson). I look pretty smart in it with my herringbone tweed jacket, tie and bottle green socks (also from Rocky). By the way, if you still have some spare change, the bottle green socks are also awesome. Love the color!

Dave

[wboydsp]

Steve, is the PV material so light that the strengthening elements are just not needed? Also, with the great kilt there are no strengthening elements involved, is that because the lack of stiched make it unneeded?

[gsmacleod]

I have two PV kilts (neither from USAKilts) and they require very little maintenance. After a day of wear, there are very few wrinkles and after hanging before the next wear, the wrinkles have fallen out.

The pleats are crisp and they hang well, very similar to my wool kilts.

Shane

[gsmacleod]

Double post